AliousBrighton are back in Premier League action tonight, taking on Aston Villa at the Amex Stadium.
The Seagulls have been in solid form, unbeaten in their last five league matches since a crushing 7-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in early February.
However, they head into this clash fresh off another loss to Forest—this time a heartbreaking exit in the FA Cup quarter-finals via a penalty shootout. Here’s how Brighton are expected to line up against Unai Emery’s Villa side.
Brighton’s Predicted XI and Recent Setup
Before their latest outing, manager Fabian Hurzeler has had to navigate a mounting injury crisis.
Bart Verbruggen has cemented his role as the first-choice goalkeeper, providing stability between the posts. With injuries plaguing the backline, Jack Hinshelwood has stepped up at right back, joining Jan Paul van Hecke, Adam Webster, and Pervis Estupinan to form a defensive quartet.
Captain Lewis Dunk recently returned to the fold, stepping in for Webster after the latter suffered an injury setback.
In midfield, Carlos Baleba has turned heads this season, emerging as a vital cog in Brighton’s engine room.
Hurzeler has paired him with Yasin Ayari, who’s earned the nod to anchor the center alongside the standout Cameroonian.
Out wide, Karou Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh bring speed and dynamism to the flanks, while Georginio Rutter has been deployed in the attacking midfield role, supporting Danny Welbeck up top.
Welbeck, notably, has edged out Brazilian star Joao Pedro for the striker spot in recent weeks.
Recent Performances and Tactical Approach
Brighton’s last match was a tough pill to swallow for their supporters.
Nottingham Forest comfortably neutralized their attack, limiting the Seagulls to just 13 shots over 120 minutes and forcing only two saves from Forest keeper Matz Sels.
The game went to penalties, where Hinshelwood and Gomez misfired, sealing Brighton’s FA Cup fate. Despite the rollercoaster of results, Hurzeler has stuck with his preferred 4-2-3-1 system, adapting as needed amid the squad’s challenges.
Injury Woes and Absences
The injury list remains a major headache. Georginio Rutter and Adam Webster both limped off in the recent defeat and could be sidelined for the season’s remainder.
They add to an already crowded treatment room, with Ferdi Kadioglu, Igor Julio, James Milner, Jason Steele, Tariq Lamptey, Solly March, Matt O’Riley, and Mats Weifer all ruled out for the Villa clash.
Brighton’s Predicted Lineup vs. Aston Villa
GK: Bart Verbruggen
RB: Jack Hinshelwood
CB: Jan Paul van Hecke
CB: Lewis Dunk
LB: Pervis Estupinan
CM: Carlos Baleba
CM: Yasin Ayari
RW: Yankuba Minteh
AM: Joao Pedro
LW: Karou Mitoma
ST: Danny Welbeck
With a depleted squad but a resilient spirit, Brighton will look to lean on their unbeaten league streak and home advantage to challenge a formidable Aston Villa side.
Alious
